Cocktailing – Orange Old Fashioned Two Ways

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We made two different types of Old Fashioneds this weekend.  The first, which Nick preferred, was more classic.  The second, which I preferred, was sweeter.

Version 1

  • 1.5 Ounces Whiskey
  • 3 Dashes Bitters
  • Orange peel
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • Splash of soda

I used this recipe here.

Version 2

  • 1.5 Ounces Whiskey
  • .5 Ounces Tuaca
  • 3 Dashes Bitters
  • Orange peel and a splash of juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Splash of soda.

They start the same – mix bitters, sugar, splash of soda, and orange peel then add whiskey.  In Version Two I simply mixed a squeeze of juice with the bitters and sugar and added a bit of Tuaca with the whiskey.

The verdict – either is delicious!

Weekend Baking

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For Christmas this year I received a copy of the Smitten Kitchen cookbook.  I love the pictures and more importantly the author’s voice.  I’ve made a few of the salads but the recipe for Pancetta, White Bean and Chard Pot Pie was calling to me this last weekend.

I made a few minor substitutions.  First, we had extra shredded chicken so I decreased the beans by half and added the chicken.  Second, I didn’t have adorable- little-individual-portion-oven-proof bowls, so I baked it as a casserole. And the verdict . . .  SUCCESS!  This recipe is insanely delicious (which probably has a lot to do with the two sticks of butter).  The top is flaky and buttery and the filling is delicious as a stew.  The leftovers were even better the next day.

Chicago in February

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Last month Nick and I took a quick trip to Chicago on our way to South Dakota.  We had two and a half days to do everything we could.

Cloud gate

 

It snowed for most of our trip, which worked out great since it was empty everywhere we went.

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We visited both the Field Museum and the Art Museum (I preferred the Field Museum)

481103_10151234310280356_886600937_nWe cocktailed at the John Hancock, went to a Second City Show, walked the Magnificent Mile, rode the Ferris Wheel and managed to eat deep-dish pizza, Chicago dogs, and beef sandwiches!  I think a spring or summer trip may be in order in the future!

 

2013 Reading List – Children Playing Before a Statute of Hercules

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By David Sedaris

Two things I wasn’t prepared for on reading this book: 1) I expected all of the stories to be humorous, they’re not, and 2) not all of the stories are modern pieces, which is fine.

I really enjoyed this collection; however, some of the stories are really really sad.  About two thirds of the way into the collection the stories start getting sad and then they get sadder and then I started crying.  Two different pieces made me cry.  Which is probably a good thing, I don’t remember the last time a book made me cry.  All in all I think there were only 2 or 3 stories I didn’t care for but on the whole I found the book really enjoyable.